2651 Oak Grove Rd | Walnut Creek, CA 94598

Traditional Braces in Walnut Creek, CA

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What Are Traditional Metal Braces?

With modern technologies and many orthodontic improvements, traditional metal braces are more affordable and comfortable than ever. Life Dental & Orthodontics offers a wide variety of orthodontic treatments to cater to the many wants and needs of our Walnut Creek, CA patients. Conventional braces offer unique customizations that are not possible with clear, removable aligners, such as Invisalign® orthodontics and ClearCorrect. A number of our patients favor metal braces because it helps them to display their personality by picking different colored bands. This is particularly an enjoyable feature for younger patients and teens who are going to their favorite sports games because they can show their spirit. To learn more about traditional metal braces, schedule an appointment at our premier dental office.

How Are Traditional Braces Applied?

After your initial exam, a personalized treatment plan will be developed for your particular needs. When you return to get your braces, your teeth will be properly cleaned and prepped before placing your metal brackets. After we've painted the bonding agent to your teeth, your metal braces will be placed. Once all the brackets are in place, we will thread the wire through them. Then, you will have the ability to pick your preferred band colors. The small elastics keep the archwires attached to the braces. The application process generally moves fairly fast, and patients often feel little to no discomfort. You should expect to come back to Life Dental & Orthodontics approximately once a month for adjustments and progress checks.

Dr. Brian Hockel and his father Dr. Jack Hockel have both been lifesavers for me.  I first became acquainted with this practice over 25 years ago.  At the time I was a teenager who had recently completed my second phase of braces with another orthodontist.  Even though my smile looked wonderful, the orthodontic treatment I received elsewhere left me with an unfortunate TMJ issue with constant popping and headaches.  I recall visiting about half a dozen TMJ specialists, a medical doctor and a chiropractor.  I had been given different devices, exercises and therapies to try to alleviate my TMJ, yet nothing worked and none of the specialists I had seen could seem to figure out how to resolve my TMJ issue.  I remember feeling hopeless and frustrated.  One of the specialists I saw referred me to Dr. Jack Hockel.  I still remember so clearly that within minutes of visiting with Dr. Hockel, he knew exactly what was causing my TMJ and how to fix it!  He gave me a device that adjusted my bite slightly over the course of about 9 months and this completely resolved my TMJ! Fast forward to the present.  Some of my teeth shifted over the past 10 years so I decided to undergo new orthodontic treatment to move them back into place.  Since I had moved out of the area, I found a local orthodontist to handle my treatment.  The new ortho treatment moved my teeth back into a position that again resulted in the same TMJ issue from 25 years ago!  I felt like I was reliving a bad nightmare.  I figured Dr. Jack Hockel had retired but thought maybe someone had taken over his practice.  To my nice surprise, I found that his son, Dr. Brian Hockel had taken over!  Like his father, Dr. Brian Hockel, immediately knew what was causing my TMJ and how to fix it.  I am so thankful for him.  I highly recommend him and his team of professionals.  I feel like his approach to orthodontics is much more wholistic in the sense that he takes into account not only the aesthetic aspect of orthodontics but also considers bite, airway and well-being of the individual.  He is genuine and I could tell he really cares about me as a patient. I highly recommend him.

J.C. Yelp

Amazing friendly environment instead of feeling inside of an office, staff is really nice, had braces done took 2.5 years and I’m very pleased with the result.

M.Y. Yelp

Excellent dentist, staff and facility. If you are looking for a supportive, knowledgeable and caring dentist and amazing team look no further. Been going here for 27 years now and highly recommend Dr. Hockel and his team. Have had 3 kids...braces, emergencies...this group of dental health care providers have been here for all of us. 5 stars!

K.S. Google

Absolutely recommend these amazing people that make this business flourish! I was in need of an emergency wire cutting for my braces because it was poking the inside of my mouth. I came across Life Dental & Orthodontics by a simple Google search and completely satisfied I did! Extremely helpful, proactive, friendly, and knowledgeable staff made this a pleasant experience! I'm looking for a new Dentist and Orthopedic specialist and now I have found what I was looking for! A special thank you for the team here,Danny B

D.B. Yelp

I was referred to Dr Hockel and his staff for braces and a spacer, to get my mouth aligned for a major reconstructive jaw/airway surgery. Wow, just WOW! Dr Hockel is also an airway specialist and takes Ortho to another level I did not know we existed! He and his team are amazing and I actually look forward to going in for my appointments. I cannot recommend this place highly enough!

J.R. Yelp

163

Total Reviews

4.9

Average Rating

Affordable Orthodontic Options for Your Family

Over the last few years, there have been a number of improvements in dental and orthodontic care for patients of all ages. However, metal braces are still one of the most effective methods for aligning teeth at Life Dental & Orthodontics. Get in touch with our office in Walnut Creek, CA to schedule an appointment and learn more about traditional metal braces and other orthodontic options.

Are traditional braces as effective as clear aligners?

Both traditional metal braces and clear aligners like Invisalign® work by applying pressure to your teeth to straighten them. Clear aligners offer flexibility since they can be removed for eating, drinking, and flossing. However, if your dental issues require more complex corrections, traditional braces might be more effective.

How long will my braces be on?

Most of our patients in Walnut Creek, CA, wear braces for 1 to 2 years. However, the duration can vary based on your individual goals and orthodontic needs. At Life Dental & Orthodontics, we are committed to making your treatment as effective and efficient as possible.

What foods should I avoid eating with braces?

Many people discuss the food restrictions that come with traditional braces, and these are set to protect the brackets and wires from damage. Foods to avoid generally include caramel, hard candy, gum, nuts, popcorn, and uncooked carrots. Your provider may give you a more detailed list of foods to avoid.

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*Individual results are not guaranteed and may vary from person to person. Images may contain models.